I decided to participate in the CureSearch Walk for Children's Cancer this year. Here is the reason why we walked-
Miss Sassy Pants
Miss Sassy Pants
Miss Sassy Pants (Izzy) is a little girl just a bit younger than Hayden who was diagnosed with cancer. You can read her story here. I went to school with Jennie aka Miss Sassy Pants Mom but weren't friends at that time, it was just within the past 3 or so years that we actually started talking. She is one of the most positive most caring people I know and that's why I chose to participate in this great cause, on behalf of Miss Sassy Pants. Reading her blog updates has really got me thinking and I really can't imagine going through something like this with one of my own kids or someone close to me. I think that there is no way that I would make it through something so difficult but as I have heard before, people that actually do go through things like this don't think they are strong enough to make it through either but some how some way they find the strength.
I thought it would be a great thing to have the kids participate in so that maybe Hayden would understand more helping out and supporting others and maybe realizing how fortunate he is to have his health. My Parents and Aunt Debbie and Uncle Curtis also came to support the cause. When we arrived I couldn't help to feel very sad but then I realized that this was something very good and positive that we were doing for all of the sick cancer kids and that I should be happy that we were able to help. Then I try to explain this to Hayden while he is having a melt down about a stupid balloon.
Before the walk began, they had all sorts of things for the kids at the park. Face painting, Clowns doing balloon tying, the Fire Dept. was there with their big trucks, and some yummy breakfast treats. Hayden and Landen went to the Clowns and they each got a balloon sword. Well, Landen's ended up popping so my Mom went and got him another one made. That made Landen happy but Hayden was beside himself because the sword was Landen's sword was not the same as his was. That's when I realized that we have a problem, a BIG problem! Not only was Hayden throwing this big fit about this dumb balloon but I was ready to come unglued myself. I am sure everyone was looking at us because Hayden would not quit crying and I kept bending down trying to get him to quit but I was not about to give into his spoiledness and get him another balloon. Finally, my Mom stepped in and took care of it and yes, she got him another balloon. Which I wasn't really upset about because at this point he needed to stop the crying and whining. It was ridiculous!
We are all fine and dandy now and the walk begins. As we are trucking along Hayden decides he wants out of the wagon. He gets out and ends up falling and popping the damn balloon. Oh lord, another melt down! At this point I was done!! I told him to get into the stroller because Grandpa was holding Bryn and I pushed him the rest of the way. As we are moving along to finish the walk, a little boy that was walking with his Mom witnessed the entire ordeal with Hayden and this little boy had one those balloon swords. He kept talking to Hayden but Hayden didn't want much to do with him as he was pouting and I guess this little boy could see how sad Hayden was and he handed him his balloon sword. I told the little boy he didn't have to give Hayden his sword and that he would be OK. As we kept walking I told Hayden how nice that little boy was to want to give him his sword and told him that he would have never done the same to someone else.
I understand that Hayden is only 5 and it's all part of learning and growing but this day really put things in perspective. We cut the walk a little short and headed back the car. On our way home, I completely lost it. I was trying to explain to Hayden again why we were there at the park that day and how disappointed I was that he was acting the way he was over a balloon. I was so upset to think how selfish and ungrateful he seemed to be. Oh boy, hopefully Nate and I can help Hayden see how fortunate he is and we all are as a family.
Parenting....It's the hardest thing I have ever had to do and most certain will ever be.
Here is a pic that I took from Miss Sassy Pants blog of Izzy, Her Momma Jennie, and her big brother Tommy all there supporting this great cause in honor of Izzy.
Grandpa and Brynlee
Landen, Brynlee, and Hayden with their balloon "swords"....
